Speaking at the opening ceremony, Adrian Green, co-chairman of the Olympics, said: “12 months ago this was like a swimming pool and we had to cancel the opening ceremony.

“I looked out of my window this morning and I was a bit nervous we would have to do the same thing – but we managed to go ahead.”

He thanked local businesses and sponsors for their support, children and parents for getting involved, and the team of dedicated volunteers who work very hard for free to put on the event.

Saddleworth School is the main venue for sports over the coming weeks, with events also taking place at Churchill Playing Fields, Saddleworth Pool, Tame Valley Tennis & Squash Club, Saddleworth Rangers and Uppermill Sports Club.

There are a few changes in store this year including hockey now being a fully-fledged sport for children aged between 10 and 13 years, after a successful trial last year.

Tug of war makes its bow and the trophy has been named in memory of former chairman Ben Hilton who was a major figure in running the Olympics from 2000-2010. It will be presented to the winners by Ben’s wife Bev.

This year, there will be overall winners in both junior and senior categories for the first time, giving villages two chances to win trophies.

The organisers are in the process of canvassing opinion from parents and participants about the future of the event and all are asked to complete a brief survey online: https://goo.gl/forms/8M5sYv6B8vFY8udq1